REVIEW: Rebecca Ahmed — The Energy of Success (BOOK)
“I’m at the top of the steps, at an elevation of 6,435 feet above sea level. I see my destination, just under 100 feet below me. I’m about to take my first step down, when I have an out-of-body experience. I am witnessing a miracle. Twelve individuals are working together completely in sync. Their communication is cohesive. Their collaboration looks effortless. The diversity of their expertise welcomes inclusivity. Their execution is flawless,” writes Rebecca Ahmed.
Her new book is titled The Energy of Success: Power Up Your Productivity, Transform Your Habits, and Maximize Workplace Motivation. “…This sensation reminds me of the “magical moments” I’ve created and witnessed throughout my career. Just this week I can recall the excitement I felt when one of my Gen Z clients called with tears of joy upon receiving her first dream job offer. What about you? If you think back on your career, what moments would you define as magical and memorable? Is there someone you admired who stands out for counseling you in a time of need? Is there a team you’ve worked with that has become your family due to the bond you created working on a project? Is there an instant you recall where everything just clicked, resulting in an innovative process or invention?”
Enter Ahmed’s workplace strategy, consisting of five ‘energetic’ principles for leadership, a practical and appropriately simplified roadmap for the do’s and don’ts of leadership in the modern age. It’s technically precarious to simplify things to a base level, as often something — anything — can get lost in the shuffle and result in something ideologically sound, but fundamentally lacking in total scope.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Success-Productivity-Transform-Motivation/dp/1394245475
Ahmed knows this, and knows how to calibrate what to simplify for the reader. This level of intelligence is commendable and noticeable, immediately placing Ahmed in a unique class of business and leadership advice writers who not only know their stuff, but are confident enough in their communicative ability to relay it in a manner that fully services the target audience.
One of my favorite parts of the book is where Ahmed introduces the contrasting concepts of Constructive Personal Energy, and Destructive Personal Energy. Simple as they come, yet so profound in terms of their articulation and implementation in the context of the book and its auspices. What’s particularly interesting is how Ahmed highlights the potential pitfalls of Constructive Personal Energy. Once again, everything boils down to the aforementioned word: Calibration. “Constructive energy strengthens your drive and propels you towards your goals. This energy is stimulating and expands your vigor to move forward.
This energy allows you to be present to your needs and desires, as well as to those around you. By increasing your constructive energy, you expand not only your ability to lead your own life, but also your ability to lead others towards their objectives and targets,” she writes. “How can constructive energy be disadvantageous? Overall, the challenges are minimal compared to the challenges associated with destructive energy. The drawbacks can create more risk in your life, and cause others to perceive you as self-centered, or ungrounded. We’ll discuss the benefits and downsides further throughout the book, specifically as we dive into the seven zones of energy classified under constructive and destructive.”
Colin Jordan
